Anatolian Shepherd

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Description

The Anatolian Shepherd are known for their large, strong frame and their courage. Steady and bold, but never aggressive. The Anatolian Shepherd are loyal and independent. At some point Anatolian Shepherds were once used to hunt wolves, but today in the United States they are used for hunting, military purposes and as sheepdogs. Similar in looks to the Great Pyrenees, the Anatolian Shepherd has a tighter frame and is more agile.

Size of Male: Height: 28-29 inches Weight: 110-150 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 27-28 inches Weight: 80-120 pounds

Temperament

The Anatolian Shepherd is a very loyal, alert and possessive dog. The Anatolian Shepherd is intelligent and easy to train, but is not a dog for beginners. The Anatolian Shepherd needs a handler who naturally radiates leadership. The Anatolian Shepherd is calm, steadfast and brave, but not aggressive. It is also independent, very watchful, proud and self-assured. Affectionate with their own family, but suspicious of strangers, especially after reaching adulthood. Strangers should be formally introduced before the mature dog is asked to accept them. The Anatolian Shepherd is possessive with respect to its home and property and will not allow anyone into the family property if the owner is not home, unless it has had frequent contact with the person, but he is fairly friendly with those people the family accepts. The dog is demanding of itself, and can be stubborn and dominant. When training the Anatolian Shepherd, the best results are achieved by motivational training methods with a determined, consistent and loving approach. It is very important to begin training as early as possible, because an adult dog may be too strong and big to be corrected. The Anatolian Shepherd has his own ideas and will not cater to his owner’s every whim. Sensitive to reprimands and eager to receive affection, this breed is patient and protective with children of the family, but may accidentally knock them down. Children should always be supervised and properly introduced. The Anatolian Shepherd does not require any additional protection training. It already has very strong protection instincts that grow as the dog matures, often coming suddenly to the fore at around one and a half years of age. They will generally get along with other animals provided they have been introduced to them when they are still young. They can be rather dominant towards other dogs and it is important to socialize them while they are still young. These dogs mature quite slowly, reaching full adulthood at about four years old.

Living Conditions

The Anatolian Shepherd is not recommended for apartment life. This is mostly because the Anatolian Shepherd is relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least a large yard. The Anatolian Shepherd is very suspicious of strangers, and it is therefore necessary to provide a secure, fenced yard. However, like many other dogs, the Anatolian shepherd can be an apartment dog if owner is committed to bring the dog for exercise daily and consistently.

Upkeep

The Anatolian Shepherd needs a chance to exercise every day, either with a long walk or brisk run. Anatolian Shepherd can live outside in temperate to cool climates. Coat care for Anatolian Shepherd is minimal, consisting only of a weekly brushing to remove dead hair. Since it also can stay outdoors in a yard, families looking for a low maintenance dog, if a large yard is available and good training is done in the socialization period, can consider the Anatolian Shepherd.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia

Minor concerns: Eyelid entropion, Skin problems

Life expectancy: 10 – 13 years 

American Water Spaniel

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Description

The American Water Spaniel was developed as an all-around hunting dog, bred to retrieve from skiff or canoes he was sometimes referred to as the “Skiff dog”. The American Water Spaniel is an active muscular dog, medium in size with a curly coat coated with oil making him water resistant. Primarily a hunting dog, the American Water Spaniel also makes an ideal family pet who will interact well with a family. The American Water Spaniel can bark a lot if not properly trained and it can hunt in water as well.

Size of Male: Height: 15-18 inches Weight: 30-45 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 15-18 inches Weight: 25-40 pounds

Temperament

The American Water Spaniel is intelligent and very trainable. American Water Spaniel is eager to learn and very enthusiastic about its work. American Water Spaniel is used above all for hunting quail, duck, pheasant, grouse, and rabbit. At the same time, it also makes a good guard dog and companion. Friendly, energetic, confident, persistent and obedient. The American Water Spaniel is a nice, willing dog that is highly sensitive, and therefore, obedience training should be calm, quiet, and persuasive, rather than demanding or sharp. The American Water Spaniel is an easy going, loving companion that is usually excellent with children, but can could snap defensively if startled or harshly disciplined. Heavy-handed training methods are not necessary with the American Water Spaniel. Socialization of the American Water Spaniel at an early age can avoid potential aggressiveness and timidity as an adult. They usually get along with non-canine pets. The American Water Spaniel loves attention, but can entertain itself as well. Some snore, some bark and some whine quite a bit. They are enthusiastic swimmers and make wonderful hunters in difficult waters, in the woods and over uneven terrain. This breed likes to roam. Some may have the tendency to drool.

Living Conditions

The American Water Spaniel will do okay in an apartment as long as it gets enough exercise as with most hunting dogs. The American Water Spaniel is moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard for it to get enough exercise.

Upkeep

Like all hunting dogs, the American Water Spaniel needs daily exercise, such as a long walk and a sprint. The coat of American Water Spaniel is oily and needs weekly brushing. Hair of American Water Spaniel may be clipped from the feet and topknot. The ears of the American Water Spaniel should be checked regularly for pests and to prevent infection as the long ears do not really allow air to pass through. As moisture builds up in its ears it can cause the dog to be susceptible to ears infections if not cleaned properly.

Health

Major concerns: Mitral valve disease

Minor concerns: Progressive retinal atrophy, Hip dysplasia, Patent Duct Asteriosus

Life expectancy: 10 – 15 years 

American Staffordshire Terrier

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Description

The American Staffordshire Terrier is stoic and reliable. Not only does the American Staffordshire Terrier look strong, it also has a strong and protective instinct towards its family. With its own family, the American Staffordshire Terrier is devoted, gentle and loving. American Staffordshire Terrier should never be confused with the Pit Bull Terrier. He is courageous and a tenacious fighter if provoked. Training can be a challenge because of his pushy yet sensitive character. His natural temperament towards people is gentle and loving, unfortunately some have been improperly handled making it seem like the American Staffordshire Terrier is difficult to train and notorious.

Size of Male: Height: 18-19 inches Weight: 55-70 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 17-18 inches Weight: 40-60 pounds

Temperament

The American Staffordshire Terrier is a happy, outgoing, stable, and confident dog. American Staffordshire Terrier is gentle and loving towards people. The American Staffordshire Terrier is good-natured, amusing, extremely loyal and an affectionate family pet. If properly trained, the American Staffordshire Terrier is good with children and adults. Almost always obedient, this dog wants nothing more than to make its owner happy. It is an extremely courageous and intelligent guard dog that is very full of life. Careful breeding has made this friendly, trustworthy dog, which is a good dog especially for children. The American Staffordshire Terrier is a courageous and a persistent fighter if provoked. It is highly protective of it owner and its owner’s property, and it will fight an enemy to the death if the enemy traps the dog in a corner and threatens its loved ones. This breed has a very high tolerance for pain. Some however, when not socialized properly may be dog aggressive. Socialize very thoroughly when young to prevent any dog aggressive tendencies. The American Staffordshire Terrier can be difficult to housebreak. It has given outstanding results as a guardian of property, but is at the same time esteemed as a companion dog. When properly trained and socialized, this dog makes a great family companion. The American Staffordshire Terrier is not for an owner who does not understand that all dogs have an instinct to protect its own property in this case its family and territory.

Living Conditions

The American Staffordshire Terrier will do ok in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. American Staffordshire Terrier is very active indoors and will do alright without a yard. The American Staffordshire Terrier prefers warm climates.

Upkeep

The American Staffordshire Terrier needs a daily outlet for its energy, preferably in the form of a long walk on leash or a vigorous game in the yard. Although it can live outdoors in temperate climates, American Staffordshire Terrier is far better suited temperamentally to sharing a home with its family. Coat care for American Staffordshire Terrier is minimal. You can brush your dog about once every one or two weeks.

Health

Major concerns: Hip dysplasia, Skin problems

Minor concerns: Heart disease

Life expectancy: 12 – 15 years 

American Foxhound

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Description

The American Foxhound is distinguished from the English Foxhound by its finer bones, longer leg length and more angulated hindquarters. The American Foxhound originally was not bred to be a family pet, but if he is well socialized as a puppy it will adapt to family life. The American Foxhound has a tendency to want to roam, but will adapt to its environment if properly cared for. Favored as a hunting dog he has a keen nose and a remarkable talent to instinctively bark on the fox’s trail. He is exceptionally athletic and is very willing to work if asked to, like following a scent during hunting.

Size of Male: Height: 22-25 inches Weight: 45 – 65 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 21-24 inches Weight: 40 – 60 pounds

Temperament

The American Foxhound is sweet, affectionate, gentle and loving at home, but also a brave and intense warrior when hunting. American Foxhounds are excellent with children and get along well with other dogs because of their pack-hunting background. American foxhounds however, should not trusted with non-canine pets. Friendliness to strangers of American Foxhound varies widely. Some are very friendly while some are very protective. This breed can be very difficult to housebreak. Be aware, that the American Foxhound will take off after an interesting scent if possible. They like to bark and howl loudly and have a melodious bark, so much so, in fact, that its tones have been used in popular songs. Foxhounds don’t always make good house pets, due to their history as outdoor pack kennel hounds. If you are looking for a good house pet, you can try show line dogs rather than outfield type dogs.

Living Conditions

American Foxhound is not recommended for apartment life. American Foxhounds are very active even indoors and do best with increased space to roam. The American Foxhound is a scent hound and an outdoor dog which may not make good apartment dogs due to its nature. However, if you live near a park or forest and you are someone who loves adventure, you can consider the American foxhound. Bringing the American Foxhound on an adventure with you into the woods could be an interesting way to exercise your dog and who know what you will find? It can be good but you need to be sure you are consistent to prevent destructive behavior usually due to too much energy.

Upkeep

The American Foxhound needs daily exercise, preferably in the form of a long walk or jog. If allowed to run off leash, American Foxhound should only do so in a safe, enclosed area. American Foxhounds traditionally live outside, with warm shelter and bedding and in temperate climates. They are highly sociable, and should never be expected to live alone. Their coat is easily maintained, requiring only occasional brushing to remove dead hair.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: Thrombocytopathy

Life expectancy: 10 – 13 years 

American Eskimo

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Description

The American Eskimo is also known as the Eskimo Spitz and the Eskie The American Eskimo is a descendant from the German Spitz. The American Eskimo’s face, coat and lush tail are Spitz-type. American Eskimos have a pointed muzzle and straight ears The American Eskimo has been bred to be a house dog, companion dog and watch dog. The American Eskimo is wonderful with his human family including children, up to the extent that as long as it is near its family it will be content. The American Eskimo prefers cold to warm weather. The American Eskimo are also known to clean their faces like cats and they are much easier to maintain then you may think as their coat easily repels dirt, they have no dog odour and they are generally very clean dogs

Toy

Size of Male: Height: 9-12 inches Weight: 6-10 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 9-12 inches Weight: 6-10 pounds

Miniature

Size of Male: Height: 12-15 inches Weight: 10-20 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 12-15 inches Weight: 10-20 pounds

Standard

Size of Male: Height: 15-19 inches Weight: 18-35 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 15-19 inches Weight: 18-35 pounds

Temperament

The American Eskimo is a charming, affectionate and loving dog. Hardy and playful, American Eskimos are excellent with children. The American Eskimo are highly intelligent and willing to please their owners. They are alert and easy to train. The American Eskimo often ranks among the top scorers in obedience trials. Although some individuals have a willful streak, but most of them like to work. Dogs whose ancestry displays nervousness, hyperactivity or viciousness should not be bred to prevent accidents that might occur due to their natural wariness of strangers. They are naturally wary of strangers, but once introduced, they become instant friends. Some have been known to not let a stranger enter the home until the owner says it is ok. Eskimos need to be part of the family and engage in nuisance activities when isolated. Handle them gently, but firmly. This breed requires more attention and loves to bark. American Eskimo should be thoroughly socialized when young to avoid potential aggression-related accidents.

Living Conditions

The American Eskimo will do fine in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised like other dogs not exercising them enough tend to cause misbehavior and it is important to allow enough exercise each day to prevent such misbehavior out of boredom. American Eskimo are very active indoors and a small yard for them to play in will be sufficient.

Upkeep

The American Eskimo is energetic and needs a good workout every day. The extent of the workout generally depends on the size of the dog, with the larger American Eskimos needing a good jog or long walk and the smaller ones needing only a vigorous game in the yard or short walk each day. The larger American Eskimos can live outdoors in temperate or cool climates, but this breed is so attuned to its family that it does better indoors as a family dog. While it is tempting to just relax on the couch with your dog, be sure to bring him out for exercise especially if you do not have a yard it can exercise in. The double coat needs brushing and combing about twice weekly and more often when shedding.

Health

Major concerns: none

Minor concerns: Patellar luxation, Hip dysplasia, Progressive retinal atrophy

Life expectancy: 12 – 14 years 

Alaskan Malamute

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Description

The Alaskan Malamute is a powerful, substantially built dog with a deep chest and a strong, compact body. The Alaskan Malamute is the oldest of the Arctic dogs, native to Alaska. Alaskan Malamutes are family oriented and love to be with people. He makes a wonderful companion and does well which children. He is well suited for colder climates, but he does not like hot, humid weather. An Alaskan Malamute is suitable for drawing a sled or a wheeled cart because it has a very strong build and high endurance level.

Size of Male: Height: 25 inches Weight: 85 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 23 inches Weight: 75 pounds

Temperament

The Alaskan Malamute is rambunctious when it is a puppy, it is literally uncontrollable. Alaskan Malamute are extremely loyal, intelligent, sweet and affectionate toward it’s master. Alaskan Malamute is great with children who are old enough to play with him safely. They generally mature into a dignified adult dog with a friendly nature. They are very friendly and therefore are not suitable as a guard dogs. Malamutes are happiest living outdoors as long as they receive enough companionship, but they also enjoy living indoors with their owner and family. Without attention, these dogs may become destructive nuisances due to boredom. Malamutes love outdoor activities and even do well in obedience with firm encouragement. Although it can be difficult to train Malamutes for formal obedience, it is not particularly hard to train them to be well-mannered because they love to please. Males can be very dominant in some cases and some dogs may be difficult to housebreak. This breed is a thrifty feeder and needs less food than you might expect. However, they do tend to wolf down whatever is offered, which can lead to obesity and bloat. Malamutes are quiet compared to most dogs but they do like to howl and dig. This breed should be supervised around unfamiliar small animals, as they have a strong prying instinct. This does not mean they are not good with small animals. Some Malamutes have been known to raise small kittens as their own. Both sexes can be combative with other dogs, especially with the same sex and breed. Firm handling and training are necessary. Proper socialization with people and other dogs is imperative. Obedience training is highly recommended.

Living Conditions

The Alaskan Malamute is not recommended for apartment life. The Alaskan Malamute is a huge dog and also requires a lot of exercise. Destructiveness and undesirable behavior may occur due to boredom. Similarly, with adequate exercise and training Alaskan Malamutes can be trained to live indoors. Alaskan Malamutes are fairly active indoors and should have at least a large yard. If you live in a suburban area, a high fence is a must and do bury the base because Alaskan Malamutes are likely to dig their way out. Alaskan Malamutes like to roam in what he considers to be his territory. The Malamutes coat allows them to withstand extreme cold, but be careful to keep the dog cool in hot climates. Make sure they have shade and plenty of clean cool water.

Upkeep

The Alaskan malamute loves cold weather and especially loves to haul a sled through the snow. Alaskan Malamute can run for miles and needs to have adequate exercise every day, either in the form of a long walk on leash or the opportunity to run or mush. Alaskan Malamute can live outdoors in temperate to cold climates, but it does better indoors during warm weather. Its coat requires brushing at least once or twice a week and slightly more often when shedding.

Health

Major concerns: Hip Dysplasia, Cataracts, Chondrodysplasia

Minor concerns: Renal cortical hypoplasia, Patellar Luxation

Life expectancy: 10 – 12 years 

Akita

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Description

The Akita is also known as the Akita Inu or Japanese Akita. The Akita is a large, powerful and alert dog. Most of its weight comes from its bone density and weight. Akita has a deep muzzle, small eyes, sharp ears, and a large curled tail. Akita are renowned for their love, loyalty and obedience to its owner. The Akita is the largest of the Japanese Spitz-type breeds. Akita have webbed feet and are very strong swimmers. Akita need space and should not be confined. Many debates have been about whether the Akita are two separate breeds, Japanese and American Akita.

Size of Male: Height: 25-28 inches Weight: 85-130 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 23-26 inches Weight: 65-110 pounds

Temperament

The Akita is docile, but sometimes spontaneous. Akita is careful and very affectionate with its family. Akita is intelligent, courageous and fearless. It is very willful and needs firm training as a puppy. The Akita is an excellent guard dog because it is very wary towards strangers and cannot tolerate other animals. The Akita is very aggressive to other dogs and animals and should therefore never be allowed to run off its lead around other animals. Japanese mothers would often leave their children in the family Akita’s care. They are extremely faithful and thrive on companionship. It should definitely be supervised with other household pets and children. Although the breed may tolerate and be good with children from his own family, he may not accept other children. If teased, Akita’s may bite. Children must be taught to treat these dogs with kindness. This breed can be very food-possessive and willful. They are capable of ferocity, but with firm training, can make a fine pet. Obedience training requires patience, as these dogs tend to get bored quickly. The Akita needs to be with its family. It vocalizes with many interesting sounds, but it is not an excessive barker.

Living Conditions

The Akita will do fine in an apartment if it is sufficiently exercised. As with other dogs not exercising may cause the Akita although rare to misbehave due to boredom. Akita are moderately active indoors and will do best with a large yard available for it to roam and run around.

Upkeep

The Akita appreciates mental and physical exercise every day. Akita needs the chance to run in a safe area or on leash for a long jog. With enough exercise and training, Akita can be quiet and well-mannered house dogs. The Akita is able to live outdoors in temperate or cool climates, but it is happiest if it can spend most of its time with its family as with most other domestic dogs. The coat needs brushing about once a week to remove dead hair, more often when shedding. Also, Akita are messy drinkers!

Airedale Terrier

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Description

The Airedale Terrier is known as the “king of terriers.” Airedale Terrier excels in agility, eyesight, hearing and has untiring courage. Airedale Terrier has a sweet disposition, but may be aloof with strangers. The Airedale Terrier excels in hunting for foxes, badgers, weasels, otters, water rats and ducks. The Airedale Terrier makes a good jogging partner because of its athletic physique. The owner of an Airedale Terrier should be strong, confident and able to combine firm discipline with patience and precision. The Airedale Terrier is good with older children and makes a loyal family pet. The Airedale Terrier is not an ideal apartment dog because of the large amount of exercise needed, it should be provided with a fenced yard. Unless the owner is committed to exercise the Airedale Terrier daily to prevent stubbornness and mischief due to high energy levels during the growing stage.

Size of Male: Height: 23 inches Weight: 50 – 65 pounds

Size of Female: Height: <23 inches Weight: 40 – 55 pounds

Temperament

The Airedale Terrier will usually do ok with children if they have early exposure and socialization, however they may play too rough for small ones. An Airedale Terrier needs to feel loved and respected. Airedale Terrier is courageous and protective. Fairly friendly with strangers. Intelligent, pleasant and loyal. Sensitive and responsive, it can be obedience trained at an advanced level. Airedale Terriers are fun-loving and playful during the puppy stage. Airedale Terriers will be happy to entertain you, if there are no other distractions in the surroundings such as other dogs, food and chipmunks. An Airedale Terrier is an extremely loyal dog, but you would have to be an ace trainer to get him to leave a chipmunk alone even for raw steak! They are naturally lively and can be very rowdy until properly trained. The Airedale Terrier needs proper obedience training. The Airedale Terrier may have dominance challenges toward family members he sees as submissive. This can lead to willfulness and disobedience. They are not difficult to train, but they do not respond to harsh overbearing training methods. The Airedale Terrier is intelligent enough to perceive quickly what is required of it, but if you ask it to do the same thing over and over again it may refuse. Try to give it some variety to its training, making the exercise a challenge. With the right handler, the Airedale Terrier can do well in various dog sports including defense dog trials. This breed generally gets along well with household cats and other animals, but they sometimes try to dominate other dogs. This depends upon their training and the individual dog. If trained well, the Airedale Terrier can be a therapy dog as well because of its high intelligence and friendly nature.

Living Conditions

The Airedale Terrier is not recommended for apartment life due to the large amount of exercise it needs daily to prevent misbehaving. Lack of exercise like with most other breeds of dogs will cause the dog to feel bored and misbehave. Airedale Terriers are very active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. However, with commitment from the owners side an apartment life is possible for Airedale Terriers as well.

Upkeep

Airedale Terrier needs vigorous exercise every day. An Airedale Terrier’s needs can be met with a long walk, a strenuous game or a chance to hunt and romp in a safe area. Airedale Terriers can live outside in temperate climates, but it is better for it to sleep indoors. Its wire-like coat needs combing at least twice weekly, plus scissoring and shaping (clipping for pets, and hand stripping for show dogs) every one to two months. Ears often need gluing as puppies in order to ensure proper ear shape as adults.

Health

Major concerns: Hip Dysplasia, Gastric Torsion

Minor concerns: Hypothyroidism

Life expectancy: 11 – 14 years 

Afghan Hound

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Affenpinschers

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